Description
The Colli Tortonesi PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, and Novello; Rosé and Spumante (the latter two only with indication of grape variety). The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety and geographical specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Colli Tortonesi PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the Province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region.
Blends
White (incl. Semi-Sparkling): it can contain various amounts of the following grape varieties: Cortese, Favorita, Müller Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Italico, Riesling Renano, Barbera Bianca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Sylvaner Verde and Timorasso.Red (incl. Semi-Sparkling), Novello: it can contain various amounts of the following grape varieties: Aleatico, Barbera, Bonarda Piemontese, Dolcetto, Freisa, Grignolino, Pinot Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Croatina, Lambrusca di Alessandria, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.
Description of product typologies
Colli Tortonesi PDO Bianco is pale straw-yellow in colour, varying in intensity; the nose is pleasing, intense and characteristic; it is fresh and dry on the palate, at times lively. Colli Tortonesi PDO Rosso has a ruby-red colour, varying in intensity; the nose is vinous and pleasing; it is dry and harmonious on the palate and lively at times. It can also be a Semi-Sparkling wine. Colli Tortonesi PDO Novello is ruby-red in colour, varying in intensity; the nose is, persistent, characteristic and vinous; it is full and slightly tannic on the palate. Colli Tortonesi PDO Rosé has the colour, fragrances and flavours typical of the grape varieties and terroir of origin of the various typologies.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Colli Tortonesi PDO can be accompanied by two sub-geographical designations: Colli Tortonesi PDO Monleale, which comprises the only Red wine produced with min. 85% Barbara, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%;Colli Tortonesi PDO Terre di Libarna reserved for White, Red and Spumante wines, as well as for those with specification of grape variety. The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety of origin.
Grape variety specifications
The Colli Tortonesi PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties: min. 95% Cortese (incl. Riserva, Spumante, Semi-Sparkling) and Timorasso (incl. Riserva), pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 5%; min. 85% Favorita, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%; Moscato Bianco: 100% Muscat.From red grape varieties: min. 85% Barbera (incl. Superiore), Dolcetto (incl. Novello), Croatina, pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%.Rosé Claret: it can contain various amounts of the following grape varieties: Aleatico, Barbera, Bonarda Piemontese, Dolcetto, Freisa, Grignolino, Pinot Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Croatina, Lambrusca di Alessandria, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
The Colli Tortonesi PDO designation can be followed by Vigna (Vineyard) with the relative toponym.